CXBe: Measuring the Cosmic X-ray Background Accurately
The Cosmic X-ray Background Explorer (CXBe) aims to measure the Cosmic X-ray Background (CXB) spectrum with unprecedented ~1% accuracy, an order of magnitude improvement over the current ~15-20% uncertainties.
The CXB traces the integrated energy released by black hole accretion across cosmic history, primarily from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). Therefore, this advancement will refine synthesis models and enhance our understanding of AGN populations, particularly regarding their obscuration and X-ray reflection properties.
The CXBe mission has been endorsed for deployment on the Chinese Space Station (CSS) and recently secured funding for Phase A/B1 prototype studies. Two key system requirements will be addressed:
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(1) developing a long-lifetime rotating system capable of stable multi-year operation;
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(2) achieving quasi-absolute detector calibration at the ~1% level.
These efforts, supported by Swiss contributions and in collaboration with Chinese partners, will accelerate mission development, with a launch to the CSS targeted within this decade.
More information
For more information and details, please refer to CXBe's concept paper: